[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO KATHRYN PERINI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Maadam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Kathryn Perini 
of Temple City, California. Every March we celebrate Women's History 
Month in recognition of the contributions and the sacrifices made by 
our nation's women. Accordingly it is my privilege to highlight Ms. 
Perini as a woman whose extraordinary efforts are vital to my district.
  Few people take the chance to positively impact their community to 
the extent that Kathy has. A lifelong Temple City resident, Kathy 
earned her degrees at the nearby University of Southern California and 
returned to her hometown to apply her education towards helping the 
people she knew and loved. Kathy began as a teacher and a counselor and 
she eventually became the principal of Emperor Elementary, a California 
Distinguished School.
  At Emperor, Kathy has created and maintained cooperative and 
influential relationships with the community, parents, teachers, and 
students. With a clear action plan, she has crafted a school of 
academic scholars who benefit from Character Education as the 
curriculum's core. Kathy also shares her insight by working as a 
consultant, helping regional and nationwide schools develop not only 
educated but also responsible citizens. Various esteemed organizations 
have recognized her with awards, from local PTA groups to the National 
Character Education Center and the Mattel Foundation Family Learning 
Program.
  Throughout her years as an education trailblazer, Kathy has remained 
devoted to giving back to the community that helped raise her. In 1986 
she founded the Temple City Youth Development program to benefit local 
students unable to afford extensive field study trips and remains the 
non-profit's director today. For nearly twenty years Kathy has been a 
dedicated member of the Tournament of Roses and presently serves on the 
organization's Executive Committee.
  Kathy's dual roles as educator and community leader were tested in 
early 2006 when her school fell victim to the violent act of arson. 
Even in the face of adversity, she rose to the challenge by reaching 
out to the community for supplies to ensure that all her students' 
needs were met, regardless of the devastating classroom destruction. In 
response, Kathy was happily inundated with resources, support, and 
encouragement.
  We are fortunate to have Kathy, a pillar of loyal community 
leadership, help us develop a new generation of bright and giving 
Americans. Her steadfast dedication and selfless service are an 
invaluable addition to the legacy of Women's History Month. With 
gratitude and admiration, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in 
honoring an extraordinary woman of California's 29th Congressional 
District, Ms. Kathy Perini.

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